Perth and Kinross Council has set a limit of zero sexual entertainment venues in the region.
While the general presumption is there will be zero in Perth and Kinross this is rebuttable and applications can still be made.
Applications would be considered by Perth and Kinross Council on an individual basis.
In 2019 the Scottish Government passed legislation giving local authorities a discretionary power to licence sexual entertainment venues.
The legislation allows councils to “consider local circumstances in setting the number of venues able to operate within their areas (this could be nil) and to exercise appropriate control and regulation of these venues.”
On Thursday, August 26 Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing committee met to approve a final draft policy of its licensing regime in terms of sexual entertainment venues.
The report before councillors stated: “The council considers that it is appropriate that Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEV) should be licensed in order that both performers and customers benefit from a safe, regulated environment.
“The council also believes that the licensing of these ventures would limit the risk of criminality, such as prostitution and human trafficking.”
SEVs are defined as “any premises at which sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for (or with a view to) the financial gain of the organiser.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the final draft policy limiting the number of venues to zero.
PKC’s policy statement also sets out a Sensitive Premises Presumption.
The policy states a “presumption of refusal” is “enhanced” if the premises is within 500 metres of one or more sensitive places including: places of worship, family leisure facilities, schools and play areas.
